John Calvin on 2 Thessalonians 2

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book IV, Chap. 7, Sect. 25…

To some we seem slanderers and railers when we call the Roman pontiff “Antichrist.” But those who think so do not realize they are accusing Paul of intemperate language, after whom we speak, indeed, so speak from his very lips. And lest anyone object that we wickedly twist Paul’s words (which apply to another) against the Roman pontiff, I shall briefly show that these cannot be understood otherwise than of the papacy.”

“Paul writes that Antichrist will sit in God’s temple [II Thes. 2:4]. In another place, also, the Spirit, describing his image in the person of Antiochus, shows that this kingdom will consist in boasting and blaspheming of God [Dan. 7:25; Rev. 3:10; 13:5]. Hence, we infer that this is a tyranny more over souls than over bodies, which is raised up against the spiritual kingdom of Christ.”

“Secondly, that this tyranny is such as does not wipe out either the name of Christ or of the church but rather misuses a semblance of Christ and lurks under the name of the church as under a mask. All the heresies and sects which have been from the beginning belong to the kingdom of Antichrist. Nevertheless, when Paul foretells a falling away that is to come [II Thes. 2:3] by this description, he means that that seat of abomination will be raised up when a universal apostasy seizes the church, even though many scattered members of the church persevere in the true unity of faith. But Paul adds that in his time Antichrist began to undertake his work in the mystery of iniquity [II Thes. 2:7], which he was afterward to complete openly; by this we understand that this calamity was to be neither caused by one man, nor finished in one man.”

“Now, he designates Antichrist by this mark, that he will deprive God of his honor in order to take it upon himself [II Thes. 2:4]. We ought consequently to follow this as the chief indication in searching out Antichrist, especially when such pride leads even to the public scattering of the church. Since, therefore, it is clear that the Roman pontiff has shamelessly transferred to himself what belonged to God alone and especially to Christ, we should have no doubt that he is the leader and standard-bearer of that impious and hateful kingdom.”

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An old Ministry of Truth interview between Gordon Comstock & Darryl Eberhart.

The Ministry of Truth was a website run by Gordon Comstock that featured interviews on a variety of topics, from theology to health, science, history, and more. This was the website that first made me aware that there was a historicist interpretation of biblical prophecy. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Truth is no longer online, and neither are its archives which were once available at thinkorbebeaten.com (Vyzygoth/Keith Hanson’s old site). I do not know why Gordon Comstock and Vyzygoth have removed their work from the internet, but someone kindly posted this on YouTube so people can listen:

“To sin by silence when we should protest Makes cowards out of men. The human race Has climbed on protest. Had no voice been raised Against injustice, ignorance and lust, The Inquisition yet would serve the law, And guillotines decide our least disputes. The few who dare must speak, and speak again,” To right the wrongs of many. ~Shall Unbelief Win? A reply to Dr. Fosdick, by Clarence Edward Macartney

“The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide.”
~From T. S. Eliot’s essay “Thoughts after Lambeth.” [1931]

"I denounce you, anti-Christ! I refuse you as Christ's enemy and Antichrist with all your false doctrine" ~Dr. Ian Paisley

“I defy the Pope and all his laws. If God spare my life ere many years, I will cause the boy that drives the plow to know more of the scriptures than you!” ~William Tyndale

“Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.” ~Martyr William Tyndale’s last words, October 6, 1536

"The condition required: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must admit the record that God hath given in his gospel concerning his Son, and assent to it as faithful, and well worthy of all acceptation. We must approve the method God has taken of reconciling the world to himself by a Mediator; and accept of Christ as he is offered to us, and give up ourselves to be ruled and taught and saved by him. This is the only way and a sure way to salvation. No other way of salvation than by Christ, and no other way of our being saved by Christ than by believing in him; and no danger of coming short if we take this way, for it is the way that God has appointed, and he is faithful that has promised." ~Matthew Henry on Acts 16:31